Tokyo

From Yudanaka, we took a train to Nagano and transferred to the bullet (Shinkansen) train for a 140 mile trip to Tokyo.


We stayed at the the military hotel, the New Sanno; highly recommended after a week of traditional Japanese inns. This was our first trip to Tokyo since moving to Okinawa.

In addition to several tourist stops, such as the Imperial Palace below, we caught an act of Kabuki Theater, a popular Japanese form of theater.


Cherry blossoms, a Shishi lion, and the Yushima Tenmangu Shrine. Built in 458, the Shrine is entirely made of Japanese cypress.



Nakamise street- lined with ~100 stores from the Edo Period. The Sensoji Temple in the distance is the oldest temple in Tokyo (and also most crowded).



Our last stop was the Ginza district (the Manhattan of Tokyo).

Jigokudani Monkey Park

While Beth was excited about the Geisha, I was excited about the monkey Park. The Jigokudani Yaen-koen Monkey Park is a half an hour walk from Kanbayashi Onsen. Our hopitable host at the Shimaya Ryokan dropped us off at the base of the mountain where the park is located. The park, established in 1964, is a place to observe over 200 free-ranging Japanese Macaque up close.



The Macaque have their own private onsen (hotspring).

Trivia: the three monkeys who "hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil" were based on the Japanese Macaque. The three truths of the Tendai sect of Buddhism are Mizaru (see no evil), Kikazaru (hear no evil), and iwazaru (speak no evil). The Japanese verb ending-zaru and the word for monkey (salu) are similar in sound. Perhaps the use of the monkeys represents religious symbolism.


I am not sure I would drink the water...






Excuse us Mrs. Haegen!



For more information see:
http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/english/top/english.html

Yudanaka

On our way back to Nagano, we stopped overnight in Yudanaka. This town is famous for its onsen (hotsprings) and the Jigokudani Yaen-koen Monkey Park.


We stayed at the Shimaya Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. This is a great way to experience the Japanese culture and we were pleasantly enamored with this family-run guesthouse. Extremely hospitable, we strongly recommend this inn for travelers in the Yudanaka area. For information about the Shimaya Ryokan see:
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/nagano/shimaya.htm

Our room with tatami mats, a traditional table, and cushions (zabuton). Where's the bed?


Not to worry; our bedding was laid out while we were exploring the town.

Notice the fine display of the Yukata, a loose cotton kimono symbolizing "relaxation and leisure time."



Scenic Yudanaka!



We spent most of our day at the Jigokudani Yaen-koen Monkey Park. See Beth below doing her best monkey imitation...